plextools user manual

PlexTools®

Installation and Operation Manual

15/04/2003

PlexTools® Installation and Operation Manual i

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 System Requirements. 12 Installation. 23 How to … 33.1 ... launch the software. 33.2 ... select an adapter and a drive. 44 PlexTools® functions. 54.1 General information. 54.2 Changing drive settings. 84.3 Drive Information. 114.4 Retrieving CD/DVD Information. 164.5 Using Multimedia Player. 184.6 Audio CD Player: 214.7 Extracting audio tracks. 224.8 Changing advanced settings for Digital Audio Extraction. 254.9 AudioCD Maker. 304.10 CD-ROM Maker 354.11 Copying a disk. 414.12 Changing advanced options for CD Copy. 434.13 Erasing a CD-RW / DVD RW disc. 464.14 Customising general settings. 474.15 Customising freedb settings. 495 Test Functions. 525.1 CD Test. 525.2 Read Transfer Rate Test: 535.3 Write Transfer Rate Test. 556 Extra Features. 576.1 Options. 576.2 Help. 587 Glossary. 598 Error Messages. 619 Tips & Tricks. 6410 Contacting Plextor Technical Support. 66

PlexTools® Installation and Operation Manual ii

PlexTools® software allows you to control the most important functions of your Plex-tor CD-ROM drive(s) or CD-Recorder(s) with an easy-to-use interface.This software provides powerful functions for your Plextor drive(s), running under the Microsoft Windows 95/98/ME, Windows 2000, Windows NT or Windows XP Operat-ing System. It permits drive identification and control, the display of Compact Disc information, Digital Audio Extraction, CD copying, and more…Additional features include the retrieval of the SCSI / ATAPI system information and logging of Digital Audio Extraction or CD writing activities.This manual will guide you through the setup and operation of the software, and will give a brief description of its functions.Updates and translations are available on Plextor’s website (http://www.plextor.com).

Disclaimer:

Plextor S.A./N.V. reserves the right to revise this manual and to make changes in its contents without the obligation to notify any person or organisation of such revision or change.

This utility is freely available for all Plextor customers to be used under the conditions of the End-User License Agreement.The PlexTools user is encouraged to respect applicable copyright laws and not to use this software for any illegal actions or purposes.

http://www.plextor.com

PlexTools® Installation and Operation Manual iii

Credits:

Microsoft Windows is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation.

Acrobat Reader is a trademark of Adobe Systems Incorporated.

MPEG Layer-3 audio coding technology licensed from Fraunhofer IIS and Thomson Multimedia.

Monkey’s Audio is Copyrighted by Matthew T. Ashland.(http://www.monkeysaudio.com)

www.monkeysaudio.com

PlexTools® Installation and Operation Manual 1

1 System Requirements.

PlexTools® software runs independently and requires that your system is properly setup and fully functioning.

System requirements:IBM compatible Personal Computer, preferably Pentium II or higher.Microsoft Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows ME, Windows 2000, Windows NT or Windows XP Operating System installed.Operational SCSI controller (installed with all necessary drivers) when Plextor SCSI devices are installed, or operational IDE interface when a Plextor ATAPI device is used.Installed ASPI layer (with updated 32-bit device drivers for Windows) when Plextor devices are installed.Correctly installed and configured Plextor CD-ROM drive or CD-Recorder.

For more information on the SCSI Controller device driver or the ASPI layer, please refer to the manufacturer of the SCSI controller.

For more information on the IDE drivers, please refer to the manufacturer of the IDE chipset or mainboard.

For information on the installation and configuration of the Plextor drives, please refer to the Operation Manual for your drive.


2 Installation.

The latest version of PlexTools® is shipped on CD-ROM.Updates will be made available on the Plextor Website ( http://www.plextor.com )

To install PlexTools®, insert the CD-ROM in your drive.If the AutoRun feature of your system is enabled, the installation procedure will launch automatically. Please follow the instructions shown on the startup menu.In the other cases, start the installation by executing the setup program on the disc. Select 'Start/Run' and type 'D:\setup.exe' where <D> stands for your CD-ROM drive letter or start the 'Windows Explorer', select your CD-ROM and double-click on the file 'setup.exe'.

In order to be able to read the PlexTools® manual you need to install the Adobe Acro-bat Reader. Select one of the languages and both Acrobat Reader and the PlexTools® manual will be installed accordingly.

http://www.plextor.com

http://www.plextor.be


3 How to …This section shows you how to execute the most frequently used functions.

3.1 ... launch the software.PlexTools® can be started by selecting it in the 'Start/Programs/Plextor' menu, or by double clicking the System Tray icon (to change startup settings, see 4.14 Customis-ing general settings.)The application will start and will scan all your SCSI and ATAPI devices to retrieve information about connected devices from them.After a short time, the retrieved information will be displayed.The program will show three windows: the upper left window will show the SCSI and ATAPI hardware, the lower left window will show the available functions, and the right hand window will show function-dependant information.


3.2 ... select an adapter and a drive.Selecting an adapter and a drive is done in the same way as in the Windows Explorer program. Just click on the desired adapter in the hardware window, and you will see General Information about this adapter appear in the right hand window (as shown on the previous page).

When you click on a device (using the left mouse button), you will see the general information about that drive in the right window and the other options in the lower left window.Different icons will indicate hard disk drives, empty CD-ROM drives and any CD-ROM drives with discs inserted. The currently selected device will be highlighted.

Right clicking (right mouse button) on a device will allow options such as: refresh, refresh all, eject, load, retrieve CD from freedb and status.


4 PlexTools® functions.

4.1 General information.To find more information about a Plextor drive, select the drive and choose the Gen-eral Information option.

Some of the information found in the General Information window:

For SCSI drives only:

• Jumper Settings: gives a visual indication of the settings on the selected drive• SCSI ID, Termination & Parity: shows the SCSI ID, the status of termination and

the parity for the selected drive.• Serial Number: shows the drive’s serial number.• Buffer Capacity: indicates the drive’s buffer memory capacity.


For ATAPI drives only:

• Jumper Settings: gives a visual indication of the settings on the selected drive• IDE Setup: shows if the drive is connected as master or slave on the IDE bus• Serial Number: shows the drive’s serial number.• Buffer Capacity: indicates the drive’s buffer memory capacity.

Note: CD-ROM drives and peripherals from other manufacturers will also be shown in the hardware list if they are supported and functional, but only for Plextor drives all information will be shown.


For Adapters:

• Host Adapter Type: shows the type of the selected adapter.

• ASPI Manager: shows the installed ASPI manager.

• Adapter number: shows the number of the selected adapter.

• SCSI ID: shows the adapter’s SCSI ID.

• Max Targets: shows the maximum number of devices that can be connected to this adapter.

• Port Driver: shows the name of the driver file.

• Provider: shows the provider of the driver file.

• Description: shows more information regarding the driver file.

• Location: shows the location where the driver file is stored.

• Version: shows the version of the driver file.

• Date: shows the driver file date.


4.2 Changing drive settings.

To change a drive's reading speed, spindown time or audio output settings, click on the drive settings command and then select and change the desired value.To save these settings, select 'Options' in the toolbar, select 'Preferences' and check the 'Save settings on exit' checkbox in the 'General' tab.

• Basic:

• • CD Read Speed Setting: Changes the reading speed to the selected value.• DVD Read Speed Setting: Changes the reading speed to the selected value.

(available speed settings depend on the inserted DVD type)• Spindown Time: Changes the spindown time of the drive.• Audio Output Settings: adjusts the audio output volume of the drive.


• Advanced:

• Auto Insert Notification: enables/disables Auto insert notification for the current drive.

• Enable Buffer under run proof: enables/disables the use of Buffer under run proof. (see section 8 –Tips & Tricks for more information)

• Disable PoweRec: With PoweRec enabled (default) the Plextor drive will write discs at the optimised speed determined by PoweRec. With PoweRec disabled the Plextor drive will write discs at the speed setting selected by the user. WARNING: IF THE DISC IS WRITTEN FASTER THAN IS RECOMMENDED BY POWEREC, YOU MAY EXPERIENCE WRITE ERRORS, OR THE RESULTING CD MAY HAVE PLAYBACK DIFFICULTIES IN SOME CD DRIVES.

• Enable DMA: enables/disables the drive’s DMA setting in the registry.• Enable Single Session: when enabled, only the first session on a CD will be

shown. (this option must be enabled before inserting a CD).• Hide CD-R media: this function prevents/permits an application from recognising

a CD-R as such.• Enable SpeedRead: This option allows you to 'boost' the read speed for certain

drives and disc's.WARNING: SINCE ENABLING THIS OPTION CAN LEAD TO EXCESSIVE VIBRATION, NOISE AND READ ERRORS, AND EVEN DAMAGE TO THE DRIVE AND DISC, PLEASE GIVE PREF-ERENCE TO THE DEFAULT SETTING.


• VariRec:

This function allows you to change the laser power when writing CD-DA on CD-R at 4X. (TAO or DAO) The default setting reflects an optimised laser power with lowest jitter. Changing this setting will result in a change of sound or sound quality and an increase of playability or compatibility with existing players.


4.3 Drive Information.

This function allows you to see more information about your Plextor drive.

General:

The drive’s read and write capabilities are shown here.• Interface: shows the interface type of the selected Plextor drive.• Access Time: shows the average access time for your Plextor drive.• Current Firmware: shows the current firmware of the selected Plextor drive.• Latest Firmware: shows the latest firmware available for your drive at the time the

PlexTools version was released.• Audio read offset: The Audio read offset is shown here.• Audio write offset: The Audio write offset is shown here.


CD Read:

Shows all possible read speeds for each type of CD.

• Note: shows additional information regarding these features.


CD Write:

Shows all possible write speeds for each type of CD.



DVD Read:

Shows all possible read speeds for each type of DVD.



DVD Write:

Shows all possible write speeds for each type of DVD.

Note: shows additional information regarding these features.


4.4 Retrieving CD/DVD Information.

CD/DVD Info shows more information about the inserted disc.For CD’s this information comprises:

• Type, Label: indicates the CD type and label.• Capacity: shows the capacity of the disc in sectors, MSF (Minutes, Seconds,

Frames) and MB's (Megabytes).• Tracks/Sessions: indicates the number of tracks/sessions.• CD-R(W) Manufacturer: prints the name of the CD-R(W) manufacturer.• LBA/MSF: Changes between indication in logical blocks (LBA) or minutes, sec-

onds, frames (MSF).• CD TEXT: shows the CD TEXT information on the disc (if your drive is capable of

reading it).

A right-click on the CD Info window opens the option to print or save the disc informa-tion.

The standard information prints a brief content of the disc. The advanced information prints a detailed description of the contents of the disc.


For DVD’s this information comprises:• Type, Label: indicates the DVD type and label.• Capacity: shows the capacity of the disc in sectors and MB's (Megabytes).• Copyright protection: shows the copyright protection being used on the DVD.• Track Path: possibilities are OTP and PTP (for more info see 6. Glossary)• Layer(s): shows the number of layers.• Disc Region: shows the region code.


4.5 Using Multimedia Player.

Multimedia Player uses the MCI drivers installed on your system to play Audio tracks and other types of Multimedia files. The list of possibilities with Multimedia Player var-ies from system to system, depending upon the installed MCI devices.

If the selected device plays files, you will be prompted to select the file you want to play with Multimedia Player.

It is possible to play, pause playing, stop, rewind, and fast forward the file. The total time and elapsed time will be displayed.

Volume and balance can also be adjusted in this window.

• Repeat off: turns off the repeat function.• Repeat one: only the currently selected file is repeated.• Repeat all: all files on the current playlist will be repeated.• Shuffle: all files from the current playlist will be played at random.


• Load: add the selected files to the playlist.

The MCI device list can be extended by installing the latest version of Windows Media Player from Microsoft®

Some of the possibilities are:

• All supported formats: can play the most common audio and video files available.• Video for Windows: plays AVI Video files.• MIDI sequencer: plays MIDI files.• Sound: plays audio WAV files as recorded by Digital Audio Extraction tools.• MP3 Files: plays compressed audio files.• MPEG Files: plays Video files that are compressed using the MPEG specification

(e.g. VideoCD).


• Create/Edit Playlist: brings up the following window:

• Add Files: add the selected files to the playlist.

• Add Directory: add all valid files from the selected directory to the playlist.

• Add List: add a playlist (*.m3u or *.pls) to the current playlist.

• Load list: loads a playlist (only *.m3u and *.pls).

• Save list: saves the current playlist to *.m3u or *.pls.

• Clear list: removes all the files from the playlist.

• Export to AudioCD Maker: exports all the files from the playlist to AudioCD Maker. (only valid 16bit/44kHz wav files will be exported)

• Print: makes a printout of the current playlist.

• Close: closes the playlist window.


4.6 Audio CD Player:

If a device is selected that can play tracks directly from a CD, and a suitable CD is in-serted, it is possible to play all the tracks from the disc.

Get CD TEXT information from:

• CD: uses (if available and your drive supports this feature) the CD TEXT informa-tion on the CD to display the Disc Title, Track Title and Artist name.

• freedb: uses the information on the freedb server to display the Disc Title, Track Title and Artist name.

• Submit / Save: submits or saves the information of the currently inserted audio CD.• Retrieve: retrieves the information of the currently inserted audio CD from the

freedb server.


4.7 Extracting audio tracks.

PlexTools® allows Digital Audio Extraction at high speed. Selecting the Digital Audio Extraction function will show the disc and track informa-tion. If the audio disc has CD TEXT information and your drive supports this feature, it will also be displayed instead of the default 'Track01' name.

The 'Output Path' window selects the directory to which the files will be saved. It can be changed to indicate the directory of your choice.

PlexTools® has a powerful function that is not provided with standard audio extraction software: Audio Error Detection. It will allow detection of errors during the reading of audio tracks. The next section explains the options if read errors are encountered.

Another advantage of PlexTools® is the extraction of multiple tracks at once. Simply select all the tracks you want to extract in the Track window. The 'Select All' option will select all available audio tracks for extraction.If you activate the 'Extract to single file' checkbox, all selected tracks will be extracted to one *.wav file.

Selecting CD or freedb specifies which information should be used for filename cre-ation.

You can also edit the file/track name in the Track window by clicking on the track name you want to change and entering the new name.


Right-clicking on a track will show the following options:

• Extract Selected Tracks: this option will extract all the selected tracks.• Play track: plays the currently selected track (digitally).• Select all• Select none• Edit Track: allows the name of the track to be altered.• Select Start/Stop position: Enter the position where the extraction of the selected

track should start and stop.• Filename options: allows the filename options to be changed (see also: 4.6

Changing advanced settings.……)

When extracting to the MP3 / Monkey’s Audio / Ogg Vorbis format the following option will also be available:

• MP3 ID3v1 / Monkey’s Audio / Ogg Vorbis Tag: this option allows you to change the song name, artist and album name.

Comments: year and genre of a song can be added / changed here.


During audio extraction, you will see a progress indicator. If any problems occur dur-ing the reading of an audio track, they will be displayed here. The Print/Save buttons can be used for printing or saving this information, together with certain info about your Operating System and controllers. The resulting log page can be completed and sent to Plextor Technical Support for assistance in solving problems. Please do not forget to fill in your personal data.


4.8 Changing advanced settings for Digital Audio Extraction.

To change the settings for audio extraction, select 'Options' in the toolbar, select 'Pref-erences' and go to the 'Digital Audio Extraction' tab.

• WAV Filename Options: indicates the options for the automatically assigned file-names. The first three options can change the way spaces in the filenames are han-dled. The options are: include, replace by underscore or remove. Under “Filename construction” you can specify whether Track number, Track title, Track artist, Disc title and ISRC Code should be used for filename construction. Also the order in which they have to appear can be edited here.


• DAE Error Recovery: the DAE function of PlexTools can detect Uncorrectable Read Errors.This detection is based on the C2 flag that is read together with the audio data. It is impossible to correct these errors, but PlexTools offers a choice of smart strategies that attempt to recover the original data.These strategies consist out of combinations of re-reading the data and changing the read speed.Depending on the type and se-verity of the damage, each strategy will give a different result.The user is encouraged to try out the different strategies and options in order to min-imise the read errors and achieve the best results: Fast DAE with no Read Errors.

Report Errors only (no recovery action): This strategy can be used when the source disc is error-free or error correction is not necessary.Reduce the speed upon error: When Uncorrectable Errors are found, the dam-aged area will be read at a lower speed in order to find an error-free reading.Read again upon error: When Uncorrectable Errors are found, the damaged area will be read again for a number of times (Retries) at the selected speed in order to find an error-free reading.The optional 'Allow Speed Down' can be used to achieve better results at lower speed.Recover the best sector (least errors): When Uncorrectable Errors are found, the damaged area will be read again for a number of times (Retries) at the selected speed. When the errors stay, the sectors with the least errors will be used to re-assemble the original data.The optional 'Allow Speed Down' can be used to achieve better results at lower speed.


Recover the best bytes (least errors) per sector: When Uncorrectable Errors are found, the damaged area will be read again for a number of times (Retries) at the selected speed. When the errors stay, the bytes with the least errors will be used to re-assemble the original data.

• Error Log: This option allows the complete logging of all details of the error recov-ery.

The tracks on an audio CD have a small pause to seperate the tracks from each oth-er.The length of this pause is usually 2 seconds.On live music CD’s the length will be zero to allow the music to play uninterrupted from one track to another.

PlexTools® offers the option to include the pause during Digital Audio Extraction. By default, it is excluded.

• Pause: When the “Check pause” box is checked, PlexTools® will locate the pause, but this pause will only be included in the audio extraction log file and *.wav file if “include pause” is also checked.


• WAV Format Options:

PCM (wave): here you can select which sampling options such as: the number of samples taken per second, the size of the samples and the sound mode (Stereo or Mono) is to be used during extraction.

MP3 (Windows encoder): select this option if you want to extract audio tracks to MP3 format using the installed Windows encoder. (the availability, the number of options and qualities depends upon the installed encoder).

MP3 (Lame): select this option if you want to extract to MP3 format using the Lame Encoder. This is a free MP3 encoder and can be downloaded from:http://www.mp3-tech.orgAll you need to do is copy the lame_enc.dll to your Windows or PlexTools directory.

For more information about these settings, please visit the L.A.M.E. website.

http://www.mp3dev.org/mp3

http://www.mp3-tech.com

http://www.mp3dev.org/mp3


Monkey’s Audio: Select this option if you want to extract to *.ape format.

For more information about these settings, please visit the Monkey’s Audio web-site. (http://www.monkeysaudio.com)

Ogg Vorbis: select this option if you want to extract to *.ogg format.

For more information about these settings, please visit the Ogg Vorbis website.( http://www.vorbis.com)

http://www.monkeysaudio.com

http://www.vorbis.com


4.9 AudioCD Maker.

AudioCD Maker allows the creation of custom AudioCD’s by simply importing *.wav / *.mp3 / *.ogg / *.ape files. The Digital Audio Extraction function can be used for creat-ing these files.Note: the only supported *.wav format at this moment is 44.1KHz, 16 bit stereo. After clicking the ‘Add Tracks’ button, you can select one or more *.wav / *.mp3 / *.ogg / *.ape files. These files will be added after the selected track. You can also drag-and-drop files to the AudioCD Maker window. The order of the tracks can be changed by dragging them to the desired location. You can remove selected tracks from the lay-out by pressing the delete button.

Note: when using *.mp3 / *.ogg / *.ape files, an image file will be created before writ-ing starts.


Right clicking on a track will allow the track to be played or deleted from the compila-tion.


• Properties:

The disc and track properties can be changed by double clicking the track list or by pressing the ‘Properties’ button.

Disc properties: the CD TEXT information such as title and artist for the entire disc can be changed or added here. Also UPC/EAN code can be altered.

Set Artist for all tracks: the current Artist name is set for each track.

Track properties: the CD TEXT information such as title and artist for each track can be changed or added here. Also ISRC code and pregap can be specified.

Set for all tracks: the current gap/pause size is set for each track.


• Start:Destination: selects the recorder and write speed.

Write options: You can choose to do a simulation first and then write if simulation was successful. When the simulation is activated, the burning process will be simu-lated. Nothing will be written on the CD-R.Other options allow the recording of CD TEXT, UPC/EAN and ISRC code on the disc.


During writing you will see a progress indicator. If any errors occur, they will be dis-played in the activity log window.


4.10 CD-ROM Maker

CD-ROM Maker allows the creation of custom CD-ROM’s by simply dragging and drop-ping files and folders into the window and starting the write process.


• Options:

• Identifiers:

• ISO 9660: the created CD-ROM will be in the ISO 9660 format.• Joliet: the created CD-ROM will be made using the Joliet standard (default set-

ting).• Volume Identifier: This field contains the name that is given to the ISO 9660 vol-

ume. The characters that can be used in the Volume Identifier are restricted to what ISO 9660 calls d-characters and the length is restricted to 31 characters.

• System Identifier: This field identifies a system that can recognize and act on log-ical sectors 0 through 15. While ISO 9660 specifies that this is what the System Identifier is used for, it does not specify what is in sectors 0 through 15, nor does it specify how the data is used. The characters that can be used in the System ID are what ISO 9660 calls a-characters and the length is restricted to 31 char-acters.

• Volume Set: This field specifies the identification of the Volume Set of which this volume is a member. (d-characters allowed)

• Publisher: This field identifies who provided the actual data contained in the files. (a-characters allowed)

• Data Preparer: Identifies who performed the actual creation of the current vol-ume. (a-characters allowed)

• Application: Identifies the specification of how the data in the files are recorded.


• Copyright: Identifies the file in the root directory that contains the copyright notice for this volume.

• Abstract: Identifies the file in the root directory that contains the abstract state-ment for this volume.

• Bibliographic: Identifies the file in the root directory that contains bibliographic records.

• Use ISO 9660 identifiers for Joliet: When checked, the volume identifiers for ISO 9660 will also be used for Joliet.

• Dates:

• Volume Creation: Specifies the Date and Time at which the volume was created.

• Volume Modification: Specifies the Date and Time at which the volume was last modified.

• Volume Effective: Specifies Date and Time at which the information in the vol-ume may be used.

• Volume Expiration: Specifies the Date and Time at which the information in the volume may be considered obsolete.

• Use Original file date: All files will keep there original date.

• Use Current Date: The current date will be used on all files.


• Use Specified Date: The specified date will be used on all files.

• Preferences:

• Character Set: specifies whether the ISO 9660 , DOS or ASCII character set should be used.

• ISO Level: Level 1: the filename cannot contain more than 8 d-characters and the filename extension not more then 3 d-characters.Level 2: the filename cannot contain more than 31 characters.

• Write Joliet File System on CD: When enabled, the Joliet File System will be written on the CD.

• View Mode: Specifies which character set is shown. (The Selected Character Set or Joliet)

• Volume Identifier Options: Specifies whether the “Default (NEW_VOLUME)” or a “User Defined” volume identifier should be used.When “User Defined” is selected you can choose the Volume Identifier yourself. Also the “Date” and “Time” format can be selected here.


• Max. (Maximise): Maximises the CD-ROM Maker window to the size of Plex-Tools®.

• Min. (Minimise): Restores the CD-ROM Maker window to its standard size.


• Start: Opens the write dialog.

Before writing starts, an ISO image file will be created.


4.11 Copying a disk.

PlexTools® can make a copy of a CD in three ways.

The first way is to copy a disc directly. The source disc will be read and written to the destination without making an image file on your harddisk first. Two Plextor drives (one of which must be a CD-Recorder) are required for this.

The second way is to copy via an image file. This image file must first be created from the source disc. Select the source drive and select as destination the image file. You can specify name and location by using the folder icon. After the creation of this image file, it can be selected as a source and the destination can be the recorder with a CD-R(W) inserted.

The third way is to insert the source disc into the CD-Recorder, and select the same drive as source and destination. An intermediate file will be created on your harddisk. After reading has finished you will be asked to insert a blank disc into the CD-recorder to start writing. This is very handy for systems that contain only a Plextor CD-recorder.

To make a copy, insert a blank disc in your recorder and select the source drive in the source window. Also set reading and recording speed. Keep in mind that for a good result reading speed must be higher than recording speed.After making all the necessary selections, a click on the start button will launch the copying process.


You can choose to do a simulation first and then write if simulation was successful. When the simulation is activated, the burning process will be simulated. Nothing will be written on the CD-R.

If a disc is to be copied directly from CD to CD, this can be done either 'on the fly' or through the use of a temporary file. 'On the fly' copying requires sufficient system resources and performance. If it results in errors, it may be safer to disable it. In this case, the source disc will be read into a temporary file on the harddisk. This file will be used as source for recording the final disc and erased afterwards.

The Audio Error Detection allows the same powerful function as used for Digital Audio Extraction.

If you want to make multiple copies, you can set the number of copies in the 'Copies' field.Clicking on the CD TEXT button opens the CD TEXT editor.Before the recording process starts, the Windows screensaver is switched of auto-matically so that it cannot cause any problems during this operation

During the copy process, you will see a progress indicator. If any errors occur, they will be displayed in the activity log window. The Print/Save buttons can be used for printing or saving this information, together with some info about your Operating System and controllers. The resulting log page can be completed and send to Plextor Technical Support for assistance in solving problems. Please do not forget to fill in your personal data.


4.12 Changing advanced options for CD Copy.

To change the settings for CD Copy, select 'options' in the toolbar, select 'Prefer-ences' and go to the 'CD Copy' tab.

• Include CD+G: By selecting this option PlexTools® will copy CD+G information if available.

• Include UPC/EAN and ISRC: By selecting these options PlexTools® will also copy this information if available.

• 1st session only: when selected, only the first session will be copied. Warning: This will create a disc that may not be an exact copy of the source disc.

• Audio Read Error Recovery:Report Errors only (no recovery action): This strategy can be used when the source disc is error-free or error correction is not necessary.Reduce the speed upon error: When Uncorrectable Errors are found, the dam-aged area will be read at a lower speed in order to find an error-free reading.Read again upon error: When Uncorrectable Errors are found, the damaged area will be read again for a number of times (Retries) at the selected speed in order to find an error-free reading.Note: the number of Retries is set to 5 and cannot be changed.


• Allow Overburning: the expression 'overburning' is used for an action where more data is written on a CD-R than the disc format allows. This will create a non-stan-dard disc and the result is neither guaranteed nor supported. You may expect irreg-ular behaviour as a result of an overburned disc, such as reading problems, program halts on writing, strange or poor drive performance, etc.

• Always leave disc open: if this selection is activated, a new session is automati-cally created on every copy.WARNING: THIS WILL CREATE A DISC THAT MAY NOT BE AN EXACT COPY OF THE SOURCE DISC.THE CREATED DISC IS MULTISESSION-READY, SO MORE SESSIONS CAN BE ADDED. (USE OTHER CD-RECORDING SOFTWARE FOR THIS)

• Play a sound when finished: When this option is selected, and you have specified a *.WAV file, this sound will be played after writing is finished.

• Eject source disc after completion: will eject the source disc after the completed copy task.

• Eject destination disc after completion: will eject the recorded disc after the com-pleted copy task.

• Image file: indicates the location of the image file on your harddisk and also the free space on this device.


• Use timestamp: when enabled, this setting will show the time for each operation listed in the progress dialog.

Use actual time: uses the actual time.Reset starttime to zero: resets the time to zero.


4.13 Erasing a CD-RW / DVD RW disc.

This function is only available on the Plextor ReWriters / DVD recorder in combination with a CD-RW / DVD RW disc. There are two ways of erasing a CD-RW / DVD RW.

• Quick Erase will only erase the table of contents (TOC); data will remain on the disc, but becomes inaccessible. This takes about 2 minutes at 2X writing speed.

• Full Erase will erase everything on the disk. This can take up to 40 minutes at 2X writing speed.

NOTE: Newer CD-RW / DVD RW media can be written and erased at the maximum rewrite speed the recorder supports.

Select your CD-ReWriter / DVD recorder, the CD-RW / DVD RW functions option and the desired erase option. Clicking the start button will start the erase procedure.


4.14 Customising general settings.

The startup options for PlexTools® can be changed by opening the 'options' menu in the toolbar and then selecting 'Preferences'.

• Automatic run on computer startup: When this checkbox is on, PlexTools® will run automatically when the system starts. The Plextor icon will be placed in your System Tray.

• Startup minimised / maximised: Makes it possible to select the window size at start-up. 'Minimised' means only the icon in the System Tray is visible. When you double click on this icon, PlexTools® will open. The option 'maximised' opens Plex-Tools® in a maximised window.

• Save settings on exit: Saves all the settings made in this session.

• Keep minimised as icon on system tray: When you minimise a program, Win-dows places it in the Taskbar. With this option on, PlexTools® will be placed in the System Tray instead of on the Taskbar.


• Clear Registry Settings: This function will clear the registry settings for PlexTools. Only the PlexTools settings will be influenced. The functioning of PlexTools will not be disrupted upon (restart and) exit of PlexTools, new values will be saved in the registry when 'save settings on exit' is activated.

• Autoplay audio CD’s: If this checkbox is selected the system will automatically start playing audio CD’s with the CD player utility provided by the Operating System when the disc is inserted in a drive.

• Autoplay data CD’s: When this checkbox is selected data CD’s equipped with the autorun function will automatically play upon insertion of the disc.


4.15 Customising freedb settings.

freedb is an information database containing artist, disc title, track titles and other in-formation for digital audio compact discs.For more information about freedb please visit the freedb website. www.freedb.org

• Retrieve Options:• Use freedb server: use the freedb server to retrieve CD information.• Use local database: use the local database to retrieve the cd information.• Search for CD on the freedb server when not found in local database(s).• Autosave to user database: when enabled, the retrieved freedb information will

be saved to the user database.• Automatically retrieve when an audio CD is inserted.• Automatically use first entry.• Overwrite existing entries in local database.• User email address: specifies your email address used for requests and submits.

Any rejection notice will be sent to this address.(submit)• Hide freedb status window.

http://www.freedb.org


• Server Settings:

• Server: List of several freedb HTTP servers. Use the Get Active List button to get additional servers.

• Cgi-path: this is the path used for HTTP access on the freedb servers.

• Port: this is the port used to connect to the freedb server.

• Proxy Settings: Here you can enter your proxy server settings such as User name, Password, Server name and Port number if needed. Users behind restrictive firewalls might need to use a proxy.

• Database Settings: the Location of the user database and freedb database can be specified here.


• Submit / Save Options:

• Submit to freedb server: submits the CD information to the freedb server.• Submit email address: this field specifies the email submit address.• Submit through: specifies whether to submit the CD information using HTTP or

email.

• Save to user database: saves the CD information to the user database.


5 Test Functions.

5.1 CD Test.This function will scan the complete disc and detect read errors.The Print/Save buttons can be used for printing or saving the results..


5.2 Read Transfer Rate Test:Read test for written CD-R/RW and stamped CD'sThis test will perform a sequential reading of all sectors on the disc while calculating the transfer rate at the same time.

Start: shows the read speed at the beginning of the test.End: shows the read speed at the end of the test.Current: shows the current read speed.Average: shows the average read speed after the test has finished.

• View Log: Shows the test results. Here it is also possible to Clear some or Clear all tests from the graph.


• Preferences:

Read Test Options:Sample Length: sets the sample lengthTest every: sets the test interval time.

Read Test Graph Options:Max. Read Speed Indication: sets the maximum read speed shown on the graph.CD Length Indication: sets the maximum CD length shown on the graph.


5.3 Write Transfer Rate Test.Write test for blank CD-R/RW media.This test will perform a sequential write test while calculating the transfer rate at the same time.

Start: shows the write speed at the beginning of the test.End: shows the write speed at the end of the test.Current: shows the current write speed.Average: shows the average write speed after the test has finished.

• View Log: Shows the test results. Here it is also possible to Clear some or Clear all tests from the graph.


• Preferences:

Write Test Options:Simulate: When checked, no data is actually written onto the disc. (on by default)Test every: sets the test length on the graph.

Write Test Graph Options:Max. Write Speed Indication: sets the maximum Write speed shown on the graph.CD Length Indication: sets the maximum CD length shown on the graph.Data Format: specifies the type of data (Audio or Mode1) to be used during testing.Overburn: when checked, larger disc capacities can be tested.


6 Extra Features.

6.1 Options.The extra features can be found under the 'options' command in the toolbar.

• Print / Save information: PlexTools® allows you to easily print and save system information. Our Technical Support people can use this information to help you solve certain problems. To print or save this info choose Print / Save Information.

• Email information: With this option you can send your system information to Plex-tor Technical Support.

• Preferences: Gives you access to the 'General' settings, 'Digital Audio Extraction' settings and the 'CD Copy' settings pages (see 4.6, 4.9 & 4.11 for more info about these topics).

• Refresh (F5): Is used to refresh the displayed information about the selected drive.

• Rescan Devices: Rescans for devices and updates all information.

• Exit (Alt-F4): Exits PlexTools®.


6.2 Help.The PlexTools® help feature can be found under the 'help' menu in the toolbar.

• PlexTools® Help or F1: starts the windows help system for PlexTools®.

• PlexTools® Manual: opens this manual.

• System Info: displays some info about the installed ASPI layer and your Operating System.

• About PlexTools®: indicates the version of PlexTools®.


7 Glossary.This section explains some terms used in this manual.This information will make the use of PlexTools® easier.

• a-characters.Consists of the following characters: A-Z, 0-9 and _ (underscore).

• d-characters.Consists of the following characters A-Z, 0-9, _ ! " % & ' ( ) * + , - . / : ; < = > ? sp .

• OTP: Opposite track path.A variation of DVD dual-layer disc layout where readout for the first layer begins at the center of the disc and readout for the second layer begins at the outer edge of the disc.

• PTP: Parallel track path.A variation of DVD dual-layer disc layout where readout begins at the center of the disc for both layers.

• CAV / CLV: Constant Linear Velocity (CLV) is a technology where the rotational speed of the disc is changed in order to keep the reading speed constant. The whole disc will be read at the same speed.Lately, more drives use Constant Angular Velocity (CAV) where the disc keeps spinning at the same rotational speed. The data reading speed will vary from a lower speed on the inner tracks of the CD to a higher speed on the outer tracks.

• Spindown Time: When a CD-ROM is accessed, the drive will read a file or directory and after a while, stop spinning in a powerdown mode, to save energy and to lower spindle motor wear. The Spindown Time is the time after the read that the drive keeps spin-ning. When you set this time to a higher value, the drive will be spinning longer after a read action. The standard setting is 2 minutes and is enough for most applica-tions.

• Digital Audio Extraction (DAE): Digital Audio Extraction is the conversion from audio tracks to *.wav files. Plextor CD-ROM drives allow DAE at high speed and with high accuracy.

• Advanced Error Detection: As opposed to data tracks, audio tracks have no error correction/detection informa-tion included. Because of this it is theoretically impossible to detect and correct read errors.Plextor CD-ROM drives however have a special function that can detect audio read errors. PlexTools® can use this Advanced Error Detection and upon errors, instruct the drive to re-read the sector at a lower speed or to ignore this error.

• Drive speed: Plextor drives allow a wide variety of different read speeds. They range from single speed (1X or 150 KB/s), double speed (2X or 300 KB/s) to the maximum speed. PlexTools® allows you to change the speed settings which may help you to over-


come problems like the reading of scratched or unbalanced discs that may cause vibration at certain speeds.

• BURN-Proof: (Buffer UnderRuN proof)This technology avoids buffer underruns by suspending and restarting the write pro-cess when the writer's buffer empties.

• UPC / EAN: Universal Product Code / European Article Number.

• ISRC code: International Standard Recording Code. This code states the country of origin, the owner, the year of issue and serial number of tracks. It also may be differ-ent for each track.Note: most CD’s do not contain this information.


8 Error Messages.A. Errors during installation'No valid version of PlexTools® found. Upgrade aborted'

This error may occur when an attempt is made to upgrade PlexTools® but no previ-ously installed version can be found. If there is no previously installed version, please install the full product first.If you get this error when a previous version is installed, your installation may be defective or corrupted. You should first try to re-install the older full version, and after that install the upgrade.

B. Errors on Startup'No ASPI layer was installed or it is not working'

This error may occur on 2 occasions:

• the Windows 95/98/ME system has no valid ASPI software installed while a SCSI controller and Plextor SCSI devices are usedPlease install the necessary ASPI software if it is not present. If it is already present, it may be defective, corrupted or obsolete, in which case you may try to repair or upgrade it to the latest version. The manufacturer of your SCSI controller is the first source for all device drivers and ASPI software to be used with this con-troller.

• the system has no SCSI controllers but only IDE adapters installed that are con-trolled by an older version of the ASPI software. You may try to repair or upgrade the ASPI software to the latest version.


C. SCSI ErrorsThis section lists all error codes that may be returned by the drive. It contains a brief description of the possible cause of each error. Since it is impossible to give a more detailed description for each possible error, you may contact ***Plextor Technical Support when an error occurs. Please provide all details, preferable with the printouts or logging as provided by the software.

READ FUNCTION ERROR CODES:

000000 NO SENSE: NO ADDITIONAL SENSE INFORMATION

011803 RECOVERED ERROR: RECOVERED DATA WITH CIRC011804 RECOVERED ERROR: RECOVERED DATA WITH L-EC

020400 NOT READY: LOGICAL UNIT NOT READY, CAUSE NOT REPORTABLE020401 NOT READY: LOGICAL UNIT IS IN PROGRESS OF BECOMING READY 023A00 NOT READY: MEDIUM NOT PRESENT023A01 NOT READY: MEDIUM NOT PRESENT TRAY CLOSE023A02 NOT READY: MEDIUM NOT PRESENT TRAY OPEN025700 NOT READY: UNABLE TO RECOVER TABLE-OF-CONTENTS025300 NOT READY: MEDIA LOAD/EJECT FAILED

030014 MEDIUM ERROR: AUDIO PLAY OPERATION STOPPED DUE TO ERROR030200 MEDIUM ERROR: NO SEEK COMPLETE030280 MEDIUM ERROR: SERVO SEEK ERROR030281 MEDIUM ERROR: SERVO SEEK ERROR: SYNC ERROR030282 MEDIUM ERROR: SERVO SEEK ERROR: HEADER ERROR030283 MEDIUM ERROR: SERVO SEEK ERROR: TARGET NOT MET030600 MEDIUM ERROR: NO REFERENCE POSITION FOUND031105 MEDIUM ERROR: L-EC UNCORRECTABLE ERROR 031106 MEDIUM ERROR: CIRC UNRECOVERED ERROR

040800 HARDWARE ERROR: LOGICAL UNIT COMMUNICATION FAILURE040900 HARDWARE ERROR: TRACKING FOLLOW FAILURE040901 HARDWARE ERROR: TRACKING SERVO FAILURE040902 HARDWARE ERROR: FOCUS SERVO FAILURE040903 HARDWARE ERROR: SPINDLE SERVO FAILURE044000 HARDWARE ERROR: DIAGNOSTIC FAILURE (INTERNAL BUS FAILURE)044400 HARDWARE ERROR: INTERNAL TARGET FAILURE044700 HARDWARE ERROR: SCSI PARITY ERROR04B600 HARDWARE ERROR: MEDIA LOAD MECHANISM FAILED

052000 ILLEGAL REQUEST: INVALID COMMAND OPERATION CODE052100 ILLEGAL REQUEST: LOGICAL BLOCK ADDRESS IS OUT OF RANGE052400 ILLEGAL REQUEST: INVALID FIELD IN CDB052500 ILLEGAL REQUEST: LOGICAL UNIT NOT SUPPORTED052600 ILLEGAL REQUEST: INVALID FIELD IN PARAMETER LIST055302 ILLEGAL REQUEST: MEDIUM REMOVAL PREVENTED056300 ILLEGAL REQUEST: END OF USER AREA ENCOUNTERED ON THIS TRACK056400 ILLEGAL REQUEST: ILLEGAL MODE FOR THIS TRACK058100 ILLEGAL REQUEST: LOGICAL UNIT IS RESERVED


058500 ILLEGAL REQUEST: AUDIO ADDRESS NOT VALID062800 UNIT ATTENTION: NOT READY TO READY TRANSITION062900 UNIT ATTENTION: POWER ON, RESET OR BUS DEVICE RESET OCCURRED062A01 UNIT ATTENTION: MODE PARAMETER CHANGED

0B4300 ABORTED COMMAND: MESSAGE ERROR0B4500 ABORTED COMMAND: SELECT/RESELECT FAILURE0B4800 ABORTED COMMAND: INITIATOR DETECTED ERROR MESSAGE RECEIVED0B4900 ABORTED COMMAND: INVALID MESSAGE ERROR0B4E00 ABORTED COMMAND: OVERLAPPED COMMAND ATTEMPTED0BB900 ABORTED COMMAND: AUDIO PLAY OPERATION ABORTED

WRITE FUNCTION ERROR CODES:

017301 RECOVERED ERROR: PCA ALMOST FULL

023004 NOT READY: CANNOT WRITE MEDIUM: UNKNOWN FORMAT023005 NOT READY: CANNOT WRITE MEDIUM: INCOMPATIBLE FORMAT

030C00 MEDIUM ERROR: WRITE ERROR030C07 MEDIUM ERROR: WRITE ERROR - RECOVERY NEEDED030C08 MEDIUM ERROR: WRITE ERROR - RECOVERY FAILED030C09 MEDIUM ERROR: WRITE ERROR - LOSS OF STREAMING030C0A MEDIUM ERROR: WRITE ERROR - PADDING BLOCKS ADDED037200 MEDIUM ERROR: CLOSE SESSION ERROR037201 MEDIUM ERROR: CLOSE SESSION ERROR - WRITING LEADIN037202 MEDIUM ERROR: CLOSE SESSION ERROR - WRITING LEADOUT037302 MEDIUM ERROR: PCA FULL037303 MEDIUM ERROR: POWER CALIBRATION FAILED037304 MEDIUM ERROR: PMA UPDATE FAILED037305 MEDIUM ERROR: PMA FULL

052700 ILLEGAL REQUEST: WRITE PROTECTED052C00 ILLEGAL REQUEST: COMMAND SEQUENCE ERROR052C03 ILLEGAL REQUEST: PROGRAM AREA IS NOT EMPTY052C04 ILLEGAL REQUEST: PROGRAM AREA IS EMPTY053008I LLEGAL REQUEST: APPLICATION CODE MISMATCH053009I LLEGAL REQUEST: CURRENT SESSION NOT FIXATED FOR APPEND056301I LLEGAL REQUEST: PACKET DOES NOT FIT AVAILABLE SPACE056401I LLEGAL REQUEST: INVALID PACKET SIZE057204I LLEGAL REQUEST: EMPTY OR PARTIALLY WRITTEN RESERVE TRACK057203I LLEGAL REQUEST: INCOMPLETE TRACK IN SESSION

098000 VENDOR UNIQUE: ILLEGAL MEDIA098001 VENDOR UNIQUE: ILLEGAL WRITE PAGE PARAMETER098007 VENDOR UNIQUE: INCOMPLETE TRACK EXISTS098005 VENDOR UNIQUE: ILLEGAL PAUSE LENGTH098006 VENDOR UNIQUE: TRACK NUMBER OVER 9909800A VENDOR UNIQUE: OVER TRANSFER DATA


9 Tips & Tricks.

• Auto Insert NotificationAuto Insert Notification is a function of the Windows 95/98/ME Operating System. It allows the notification of changes (eject or insert) of a CD in a drive. When this hap-pens, Windows will send a message to all programs in order to notify them that a media change has taken place. This way, the programs know they have to check the device for new disc contents.It is advisable to switch Auto Insert Notification on in order to allow PlexTools® to take advantage of this function. When switched off, the Refresh function (or Function key F5) can be used to manually allow the scan-ning for changed media.

• Autoplay Audio CD’sWhen autoplay Audio CD’s is enabled it can interfere with the proper functioning of PlexTools®, unmarking this checkbox in the preferences selection of the options menu may make PlexTools® more stable.

• Windows NT / Windows 2000 / Windows XP without ASPI layer for SCSI devicesThe use of ASPI software to control SCSI devices is vital for the Windows 95/98/ME Operating System. In general, the ASPI layer is a part of these systems and will be installed during setup.

Windows NT, Windows 2000 and Windows XP can operate without the use of ASPI. As such, it is shipped without ASPI software. After installation of Windows, an ASPI layer can always be installed, which may improve the performance of your SCSI system. Also, some applications will only work through the use of ASPI commands and need a properly installed ASPI configuration. The manufacturer of your SCSI controller is the first source for all device drivers and ASPI software to be used with this controller.

• ATAPI devicesTo ensure the best performance from your Plextor ATAPI device it is recommended that you install a busmaster driver for the IDE chipset of your system, and enable the DMA capability of your drive in the Operating System (Control panel / device settings).

• MCI softwareThe simultaneous use of several MCI and or ASPI applications may result in unex-pected behaviour of the devices and should be avoided. When more than one pro-gram is used to control a certain drive, this device will 'listen' to the commands of the different programs. These can influence each other or force contradicting results. As such, the use of PlexTools® together with other programs, to control the same drive should be avoided.


• ATAPI drive not recognisedIf your Plextor ATAPI drive is not recognised check if it is correctly installed and that the IDE drivers are operational. If you have a recent BIOS the ATAPI drive is detected at boot time, and if this is not the case you should check that proper IDE settings in the BIOS are set. For the BIOS settings please refer to the operation manual of your mainboard, and for the drive installation please refer to the drive operation manual.

• No CD TEXT informationAudio CD + CD TEXT is recognised, but no CD TEXT information is shown. If you have unchecked the option ‘Read complete disc info’ in the preferences selection of the options menu, the CD TEXT information is NOT read if an Audio CD containing this kind of information is inserted before startup of PlexTools® (See Customising general settings).

Disc is not recognised as Audio CD + CD TEXT (only as Audio CD), no CD TEXT is shown, the reason may be:

• The disc does not contain CD TEXT information [not every Audio CD con-tains CD TEXT information]

• The copy of a disc does not contain CD TEXT information [not every CD-Recorder can write CD TEXT information and not every CD-Recording soft-ware can write CD TEXT information]

• Drive cannot read CD TEXT information [not every drive is capable of read-ing CD TEXT information]


10 Contacting Plextor Technical Support.Plextor Europe:Plextor Technical Support can be contacted on weekdays (except Belgian holidays) between 8h00 and 18h00 on the following numbers:

• Phone: +32.2.718.03.99

• Fax: +32.2.718.03.90

• E-mail: [email protected]

• Website: http://www.plextor.be/english/technical/feedback.html.

Plextor US :• E-mail: [email protected]

Plextor Japan:• E-Mail: [email protected]

Plextor China:• E-Mail [email protected]

Plextor for Asia-Pacific except China:• E-Mail: [email protected]

http://www.plextor.be/english/technical/feedback.html

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